DSS asbestos abatement project becomes more costly

The Oswego County Department of Social Services asbestos abatement project will move forward — with a higher price tag.

During the Aug. 9 meeting, the legislature approved hiring Tetra Tech Architects and Engineers and also voted to increase the capital project funding for the abatement project from $30,000 to $100,000.

Asbestos was found in the ceiling tiles of the older part of the DSS complex in Mexico earlier this year after an employee reportedly questioned if the tiles had been tested. The cost of the entire project is estimated to cost up to $1 million, depending on whether the employees will need to be relocated during the removal process.

County Administrator Phil Church said Cayuga Community College in Fulton has offered a location for DSS employees, but added the college needs the space back by Feb. 1.

If it is decided to move the employees to another part of the DSS building, accommodations will be needed, such as constructing temporary walls, Church noted.

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